Islamabad, August 08, 2017 (PPI-OT):Mr. Qian Tang Asst. Director General UNESCO and Chinese candidate for the position of the next Director General of UNESCO called on Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training Engr. Baligh ur Rehman here on Tuesday. Mr. Qian Tang was also accompanied by Ambassador of China for Pakistan H.E. Mr. Sun Weidong.

Minister congratulated Mr. Qian Tang and welcomed Chinese government’s nomination for heading UNESCO. Minister appreciated Mr. Tang’s support for the cause of education in Pakistan, particularly his contributions for prospective Category 2 Regional Center for Non Formal Education and Adult Literacy in Pakistan. “Establishment of first of its kind UNESCO Centre for non formal education aspired to serve the region would not only improve literacy and quality of education but also be a significant resource for achievement of Sustainable Development Goals”, he said.

Mr. Qian Tang acknowledged Pakistan’s strategic importance in the region and its contribution in One Belt One Road initiative. He said that China wants UNESCO to be useful platform for achievement of global peace and sustainable development. He further said that it was important to have issues pertaining to developing countries effectively represented in UNESCO and to help developing countries benefit from the resources available with the forum. Mr. Tang said that UNESCO’s role was also important for promoting dialogue among different cultures and civilization for achieving peaceful coexistence.

Mr. Sun Weidong said that China and Pakistan are all weather friends and strategic partners. “Both countries have enjoyed very close coordination and cooperation at regional and international forums”, he added. Ambassador said that though CPEC, as a flagship project of One Belt One Road, is supporting development of road and energy infrastructure in the country, there is also great scope for bilateral cooperation in trade, science and technology, human resource development, defense and security and fight against terrorism.

He said that Mr. Tang’s successful election as Director General UNESCO will further promote international cooperation between the two countries. Mr. Zhou Jiagui Dy. Secretary General of Chinese National Commission for UNESCO, Members of Parliament Ms. Shaza Fatima and Ms. Shizra Mansab, Secretary Federal Education Mr. Shoaib Mir, Officials of Embassy of China and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training also attended the meeting.